As found on FireNews, that's Carolina Tire Sales of Chadbourn ablaze at 314 N. Wilkes Street. The 60,000 square-foot building, full of tires and occupying a former sewing plant, burned early this morning. Every fire department in Columbus County responded, along with five Bladen County and three Robeson County trucks. Plus a ladder from Loris, S.C.
More than 150 firefighters were on scene, and from at least 31 departments. Read the FireNews article, which compiles coverage from the Whiteville News Reporter and the Fayetteville Observer. Great photos, too!

News Reporter photo

Check out the pics on firenews.net. Is it me, or do the gentlemen in the bucket look a little underdressed for the party? Just sayin’, from the looks of the pic they are. Maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me, it HAS been a long day. Someone please tell me I’m wrong….Silver - 09/22/09 - 23:02

No helmets… but the one does have a traffic vest on! Look at the pics of the structure fire in Duplin County with the guys venting the roof… We have gear for a reason, and SCBA’s help your chance of returning home to your loved ones!Bob P. - 09/23/09 - 08:04

Can you imagine keeping accountabilty on something this big with so many different departments and possibly different accountabilty systems?KOM - 09/23/09 - 09:20

As for Silver and Bob P. ‘s comments, I agree with both. I know the Loris firefighter that was in the bucket, that was one of a couple of times he took his mask and helment off. He should have came down the ladder first but manpower was getting short about that time. Not trying to justify his action just trying to explain. As for the guy in the traffic vest, if memory serves me correct; he was one of the many ATF, SBI, or EPA people that arrived about day break.They kept going up and taking pictures and some kind of readings.

My department was on the second alarm and it was a long drawn out operation, but accountability was handled by sector and it worked out once enough support personnel arrived. The biggest concern other than the fire itself was the massive amount of tankers shuttleing water from different locations. The operation was a success due to the Klondyke-Chadbourn Fire Chief’s decision to go defensive early on. Sure a few mistakes may have been caught on camrea, and people will learn from them. It was just great that there was not a single injury with as many personnel and apparatus operating.

Thanks for the clarifying Jeremy! As a side note, how busy is Chadbourn FD? I always pass through on my way to the beach and think; “I wonder how much work these guys catch”.Silver - 09/25/09 - 10:44

This fire turned out to be arson. Three people have been arrested and one was a firefighter. What a shame!! It really gives our brother and sisterhood a black eye when its one of our own that starts fires!!hardhead - 10/14/09 - 21:18